Higgins brings presidential campaign to Cork, Offaly and Galway

Presidential hopeful Michael D Higgins is embarking on a three-day trip to counties Cork, Offaly and Galway today.

Today, he will visit Mallow town and the Doneraile Literary and Arts Festival in Cork.

Tomorrow, it's the turn of Birr Vintage Week and Arts Festival Parade in Co Offaly.

On Monday, he will visit Galway to promote a cycling fundraiser.

Meanwhile, given the Thursday polling day in the presidential elections, calls are continuing for all future elections and referenda to be held on weekends.

Campaigners say nominating weekdays as the time to cast votes prevents students and workers who live outside their constituency from having their say.

The Ógra Fianna Fáil group is today launching an online petition which aims to gather 10,000 messages of support for the cause, in just one month.